Mexico’s Baja California Sur: Los Cabos, La Paz, Loreto, and Mulegé Launch Revolutionary Tourist Tax to Fuel Eco-Tourism, Strengthen Communities, and Protect Natural Wonders

Published on July 4, 2025

Baja California Sur, a breathtaking region known for its picturesque beaches, vibrant cities like Los Cabos and La Paz, and tranquil destinations such as Loreto and Mulegé, has introduced a new tourism tax aimed at enhancing sustainability and supporting local communities. Starting July 1, 2025, international visitors to the state will be required to pay a new mandatory fee if their stay exceeds 24 hours. The fee, which is set at 470 Mexican pesos (around \$25 USD) per person, is part of the Embrace IT initiative, a project designed to promote sustainable tourism and support key local development efforts.

Purpose Behind the New Tax

The revenue generated from this new levy will be used to fund a wide range of critical community projects. These include improving public safety, expanding healthcare services, enhancing education, supporting employment programs, and preserving cultural initiatives. The new tax aims to provide much-needed financial support to local infrastructure while also improving the quality of life for Baja California Sur’s residents.

According to the state’s official website, the funds will also be allocated to environmental sustainability efforts, including protecting the region’s natural resources and supporting sustainable tourism practices. The tax is expected to foster long-term benefits for the state, ensuring that both the environment and local communities are able to thrive alongside the region’s growing tourism sector.

This initiative is designed to create a sustainable model for tourism, one that can protect the region’s natural beauty, safeguard its cultural heritage, and contribute to the well-being of its citizens. The tourism levy is seen as a vital step in ensuring that the positive economic impacts of tourism are spread more equitably across the local population.

Who Is Affected by the Tax?

The tourist tax applies exclusively to international travelers visiting Baja California Sur. Mexican nationals, as well as those holding temporary or permanent residency, will be exempt from the tax. This means that only foreign tourists who plan to stay more than 24 hours in the region will be required to pay the fee.

To streamline the process, all international visitors are required to complete their payment online prior to arrival. Upon entering the state through any major entry points, including airports and highways, tourists will need to present proof of payment. This will be in the form of a QR code, which travelers will receive once they successfully pay the tax online.

How to Pay the New Tourist Tax

To make the process as seamless as possible, Baja California Sur has partnered with Travelkore, a digital platform that facilitates secure online payments. Visitors can pay the tax through the official Embrace IT website or through a payment link provided by Travelkore. The system is designed to be easy to use, with a straightforward process that ensures quick and efficient transactions. After completing the payment, travelers will receive a QR code, which must be presented upon arrival in Baja California Sur.

The goal of this system is to reduce delays at state entry points and ensure a smooth, efficient process for travelers. By allowing visitors to pay the fee online ahead of time, the state aims to avoid congestion and long wait times at checkpoints.

Global Trends and the Impact on the Future of Tourism Taxes

Baja California Sur’s introduction of the tourist tax is part of a growing trend seen across many popular tourist destinations worldwide. Cities in Europe, such as Glasgow, as well as tropical regions, have implemented similar taxes as a way to address the environmental and social challenges caused by mass tourism. The funds raised through such taxes are being used to improve infrastructure, preserve natural landscapes, and support the communities most affected by tourism.

This trend reflects a shift toward more sustainable forms of tourism that not only prioritize the visitor experience but also consider the long-term impacts on local environments and economies. With tourism becoming an increasingly important economic driver in many regions, it is crucial for destinations to find ways to balance the benefits of tourism with the need for sustainability and responsible development.

Travel Advisory and Final Thoughts

As the new tax is now in effect, travelers planning to visit Baja California Sur are encouraged to complete their payment online in advance. This proactive step will ensure a smoother arrival process and prevent unnecessary delays at entry points. Given the increasing number of destinations around the world that are adopting similar measures, travelers should be prepared for the possibility of similar tourist taxes in other popular locations in the future.

Baja California Sur’s new tax represents a significant step toward achieving sustainable tourism while benefiting both local communities and the environment. By investing in infrastructure and social programs, the state is laying the groundwork for a tourism model that can continue to thrive while supporting the needs of its residents. For travelers, this means that their visit will help sustain the very beauty and culture that make Baja California Sur such an extraordinary place to explore.